4 things to share with your children about Christmas

December 4, 2019

There are many wonderful insights to glean from the biblical accounts of Christ’s birth. Here are four truths for you and your family to ponder this Christmas season.

Jesus is the reason for Christmas.Mary, the earthly mother of Jesus, never overlooked the fact that Christ’s birth was extraordinary. When the shepherds came to worship Him, they told Mary and Joseph about the heavenly hosts who announced His birth. How did Mary respond? Luke 2:19 records that she “treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” She took time to think over what had happened on that first Christmas day.

Imagine what must have gone through her mind as she heard the shepherds describe the angelic hosts that proclaimed Jesus’ birth, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14). As presents are placed under your Christmas tree, teach your children about God’s greatest gift: Christ the Savior.

Jesus was born into a family.From the beginning, God had chosen Joseph and Mary to be Jesus’ earthly parents. Joseph was already engaged to Mary when he learned that she was pregnant. At first he planned to divorce her quietly (Matthew 1:18-25). After all, how could Mary have been faithful to him if she was with child?

However, the Lord came to Joseph in a dream and said, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Like Mary, he accepted that his bride-to-be was going to give birth to the Son of God. Parents have the great opportunity to teach their children that God strategically placed His Son in a family.

Jesus was born into a humble and poor family.When Jesus was born, many people struggled to provide for their families. He grew up in a community of farmers, fishermen and carpenters who could barely make ends meet. This was especially true for His parents. Mary gave birth to the Christ child in a barn because there was no room for them in the inn (Luke 2:7). The first bed of the One who created the entire universe was a feed trough. What an opportunity to teach our children that God does not place value on possessions, rather He looks at their hearts.

Jesus is the Bread of Life.More than 2,000 years ago, Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem, which translated means “house of bread.” As we come together with our families to enjoy a Christmas meal, point out that Jesus is the Bread of Life. “For the bread of God is he who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world” (John 6:33).

As you read the Christmas stories from Matthew and Luke this year, you will most likely discover more truths to teach your children. Don’t miss these precious opportunities to make Christ known.

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